In the world of yoga, mindfulness is like the perfect pair of stretchy pants – essential for both comfort and inner peace. Just as a good asana (physical practice) stretches and strengthens the body, mindfulness extends and enhances the practice of yoga, cultivating a sense of presence and awareness that extends beyond the physical mat. In fact, the asana is one vehicle through which mindfulness can be achieved. 

I think of mindfulness as making space in my mental closet.

You know that feeling when you try to find something in a tiny closet where everything is tightly packed in? You can’t see what’s in the closet, and getting something out or putting something in requires some serious manhandling?

 Now compare that tightly packed closet to one where every hanger has its own proper space. Where you can clearly see all the items on the rack and hanging something up is effortless.   

That closet is your mind. Mindfulness is the practice that clears out the clutter and allows you to see what’s hanging in your mental closet. It is simply the practice of being in the present moment and noticing thoughts and feelings without letting those thoughts and feelings run away with you.

As a yoga teacher, I often ask my students get in touch with their feelings in a quiet moment, and then gently remind them that they are not their thoughts or feelings. This distance from your mind allows a more peaceful existence.

The goal of yoga is to promote mindfulness and a yoga studio's physical and online space should be a haven of tranquility, exuding an aura of serenity. A lot of folks have a regular yoga practice as a way to unwind and stay present, so the last thing a stressed-out yoga student needs is to try to find information from a yoga studio website that’s chaotic and unclear.

So, how can yoga studios ensure their online presence is as mindful as their classes? 

Colors

Avoid any garish, bright colors and instead opt for a soothing palette that's akin to a sunset meditation session.

Certain colors are inherently associated with feelings of calmness and tranquility, aligning perfectly with the mindful essence of yoga. These colors include:

• Blue: Often associated with the sky and the ocean, blue evokes feelings of peace, tranquility, and relaxation. Its calming influence can help to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and promote a sense of inner peace.

• Green: Symbolizing nature and growth, green has a restorative effect on the mind and body. It can help to alleviate anxiety, promote feelings of harmony, and foster a sense of balance.

• Purple: Associated with royalty and spirituality, purple exudes an aura of serenity and mysticism. It can help to stimulate creativity, enhance intuition, and promote introspection.

Content

When it comes to content, embrace authenticity. Share inspiring stories of real individuals from the studio who have found peace and contentment through the practice.

Testimonials are a great way to emphasize real people having real experiences. 

Don’t bombard site visitors with an avalanche of information. Create a clear and intuitive navigation system that's as effortless as a smooth, flowing vinyasa. Try to keep the main navigation to no more than 5 items. Add dropdown options to expand the menu beyond that number.

Accessibility

Oh, and accessibility? It's not just a buzzword; it's a reflection of mindfulness. Make sure the website is welcoming to all, regardless of their abilities. After all, yoga is about inclusion, not exclusivity.

The following are some ways a yoga studio website can increase accessibility: 

•  Ensure the alt text is filled out for every image (for those who are sight impaired)

• All paragraph text should be easy to read, both in color and size (I have seen so many websites with gray font, a popular design style which I find difficult to read). The best way to test this is to ask someone you know over 50 to give you honest feedback about how easily they can read your content on a mobile phone.

• Speaking of your phone, make sure the mobile view of your website is in good shape, meaning images and copy are in the right place and there is plenty of space between items. Not only will your site visitors get frustrated and leave quickly if the mobile view isn’t easy to navigate, Google punishes you in rankings as well. 

• Use high quality photos

• Break up long blocks of copy with images, headings, and bullet points.

By embracing mindful design principles, yoga studios can create an online sanctuary that complements the physical space, attracting individuals who seek a holistic approach to their practice.